WO2015087081A2 - Raccord - Google Patents

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Publication number
WO2015087081A2
WO2015087081A2 PCT/GB2014/053680 GB2014053680W WO2015087081A2 WO 2015087081 A2 WO2015087081 A2 WO 2015087081A2 GB 2014053680 W GB2014053680 W GB 2014053680W WO 2015087081 A2 WO2015087081 A2 WO 2015087081A2
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
members
pair
coupling
axis
spherical
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2014/053680
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2015087081A3 (fr
Inventor
Simon Parker
Original Assignee
Punk Couplings Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Punk Couplings Limited filed Critical Punk Couplings Limited
Priority to KR1020167017102A priority Critical patent/KR20160097237A/ko
Priority to MX2016007458A priority patent/MX2016007458A/es
Priority to JP2016539071A priority patent/JP6618909B2/ja
Priority to EP14812805.1A priority patent/EP3080470A2/fr
Priority to CN201480068382.XA priority patent/CN105899830B/zh
Priority to CA2932041A priority patent/CA2932041A1/fr
Publication of WO2015087081A2 publication Critical patent/WO2015087081A2/fr
Publication of WO2015087081A3 publication Critical patent/WO2015087081A3/fr
Priority to US15/177,631 priority patent/US20160305487A1/en
Priority to US16/204,007 priority patent/US20190093710A1/en

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16D—COUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; CLUTCHES; BRAKES
    • F16D3/00—Yielding couplings, i.e. with means permitting movement between the connected parts during the drive
    • F16D3/16—Universal joints in which flexibility is produced by means of pivots or sliding or rolling connecting parts
    • F16D3/20—Universal joints in which flexibility is produced by means of pivots or sliding or rolling connecting parts one coupling part entering a sleeve of the other coupling part and connected thereto by sliding or rolling members
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16D—COUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; CLUTCHES; BRAKES
    • F16D3/00—Yielding couplings, i.e. with means permitting movement between the connected parts during the drive
    • F16D3/16—Universal joints in which flexibility is produced by means of pivots or sliding or rolling connecting parts
    • F16D3/20—Universal joints in which flexibility is produced by means of pivots or sliding or rolling connecting parts one coupling part entering a sleeve of the other coupling part and connected thereto by sliding or rolling members
    • F16D3/202—Universal joints in which flexibility is produced by means of pivots or sliding or rolling connecting parts one coupling part entering a sleeve of the other coupling part and connected thereto by sliding or rolling members one coupling part having radially projecting pins, e.g. tripod joints
    • F16D3/205—Universal joints in which flexibility is produced by means of pivots or sliding or rolling connecting parts one coupling part entering a sleeve of the other coupling part and connected thereto by sliding or rolling members one coupling part having radially projecting pins, e.g. tripod joints the pins extending radially outwardly from the coupling part
    • F16D3/2052—Universal joints in which flexibility is produced by means of pivots or sliding or rolling connecting parts one coupling part entering a sleeve of the other coupling part and connected thereto by sliding or rolling members one coupling part having radially projecting pins, e.g. tripod joints the pins extending radially outwardly from the coupling part having two pins
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16D—COUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; CLUTCHES; BRAKES
    • F16D3/00—Yielding couplings, i.e. with means permitting movement between the connected parts during the drive
    • F16D3/16—Universal joints in which flexibility is produced by means of pivots or sliding or rolling connecting parts
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16D—COUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; CLUTCHES; BRAKES
    • F16D3/00—Yielding couplings, i.e. with means permitting movement between the connected parts during the drive
    • F16D3/16—Universal joints in which flexibility is produced by means of pivots or sliding or rolling connecting parts
    • F16D3/20—Universal joints in which flexibility is produced by means of pivots or sliding or rolling connecting parts one coupling part entering a sleeve of the other coupling part and connected thereto by sliding or rolling members
    • F16D3/22—Universal joints in which flexibility is produced by means of pivots or sliding or rolling connecting parts one coupling part entering a sleeve of the other coupling part and connected thereto by sliding or rolling members the rolling members being balls, rollers, or the like, guided in grooves or sockets in both coupling parts
    • F16D3/223—Universal joints in which flexibility is produced by means of pivots or sliding or rolling connecting parts one coupling part entering a sleeve of the other coupling part and connected thereto by sliding or rolling members the rolling members being balls, rollers, or the like, guided in grooves or sockets in both coupling parts the rolling members being guided in grooves in both coupling parts
    • F16D3/224—Universal joints in which flexibility is produced by means of pivots or sliding or rolling connecting parts one coupling part entering a sleeve of the other coupling part and connected thereto by sliding or rolling members the rolling members being balls, rollers, or the like, guided in grooves or sockets in both coupling parts the rolling members being guided in grooves in both coupling parts the groove centre-lines in each coupling part lying on a sphere
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16D—COUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; CLUTCHES; BRAKES
    • F16D3/00—Yielding couplings, i.e. with means permitting movement between the connected parts during the drive
    • F16D3/16—Universal joints in which flexibility is produced by means of pivots or sliding or rolling connecting parts
    • F16D3/26—Hooke's joints or other joints with an equivalent intermediate member to which each coupling part is pivotally or slidably connected
    • F16D3/38—Hooke's joints or other joints with an equivalent intermediate member to which each coupling part is pivotally or slidably connected with a single intermediate member with trunnions or bearings arranged on two axes perpendicular to one another
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16D—COUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; CLUTCHES; BRAKES
    • F16D3/00—Yielding couplings, i.e. with means permitting movement between the connected parts during the drive
    • F16D3/16—Universal joints in which flexibility is produced by means of pivots or sliding or rolling connecting parts
    • F16D3/26—Hooke's joints or other joints with an equivalent intermediate member to which each coupling part is pivotally or slidably connected
    • F16D3/38—Hooke's joints or other joints with an equivalent intermediate member to which each coupling part is pivotally or slidably connected with a single intermediate member with trunnions or bearings arranged on two axes perpendicular to one another
    • F16D3/42—Hooke's joints or other joints with an equivalent intermediate member to which each coupling part is pivotally or slidably connected with a single intermediate member with trunnions or bearings arranged on two axes perpendicular to one another with ring-shaped intermediate member provided with bearings or inwardly-directed trunnions
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16D—COUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; CLUTCHES; BRAKES
    • F16D3/00—Yielding couplings, i.e. with means permitting movement between the connected parts during the drive
    • F16D3/16—Universal joints in which flexibility is produced by means of pivots or sliding or rolling connecting parts
    • F16D3/26—Hooke's joints or other joints with an equivalent intermediate member to which each coupling part is pivotally or slidably connected
    • F16D3/44—Hooke's joints or other joints with an equivalent intermediate member to which each coupling part is pivotally or slidably connected the intermediate member being connected to the coupling parts by ridges, pins, balls, or the like guided in grooves or between cogs
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16D—COUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; CLUTCHES; BRAKES
    • F16D3/00—Yielding couplings, i.e. with means permitting movement between the connected parts during the drive
    • F16D3/16—Universal joints in which flexibility is produced by means of pivots or sliding or rolling connecting parts
    • F16D3/26—Hooke's joints or other joints with an equivalent intermediate member to which each coupling part is pivotally or slidably connected
    • F16D3/30—Hooke's joints or other joints with an equivalent intermediate member to which each coupling part is pivotally or slidably connected in which the coupling is specially adapted to constant velocity-ratio
    • F16D3/32—Hooke's joints or other joints with an equivalent intermediate member to which each coupling part is pivotally or slidably connected in which the coupling is specially adapted to constant velocity-ratio by the provision of two intermediate members each having two relatively perpendicular trunnions or bearings

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a coupling.
  • Mechanical couplings are well known. Examples include couplings for coupling angularly misaligned shafts, universal joints, constant velocity joints, couplings for coupling a drive shaft to a driven shaft; couplings for connecting a torque shaft to a structural element of for example a suspension system.
  • a coupling has an inner member and an outer annular member and comprises:
  • the said members other than the outer member, comprise spherical segments including a common centre.
  • a spherical segment is a portion of a sphere between with a pair of parallel planes.
  • the inner member and the outer annular member may comprise a pair of members coupled by the at least one axle, or there may be one or more intermediate members disposed between the inner and outer members, each pair of adjacent members comprising a pair of members coupled together by axles.
  • the axle(s) carries torque and the spherical surfaces of the first and second members carry axial and radial loads. Most of any axial load is carried by the spherical surfaces.
  • the axle(s) may also carry some of the axial load. Thus radial and axial loads are separated from torsional loads.
  • the axle(s) are configured to not transmit radial loads between the members coupled thereby so that radial loads are not carried by the axles. Thus radial loads are carried mostly or wholly by the spherical surfaces.
  • Couplings according to various embodiments the present invention described may be used for coupling any two structural elements that must be coupled with at least one rotational degree of freedom. Some examples are useful as 'structural static couplings' coupling an element to a fixed structure. Other examples are useful as rotational 'flexible couplings' coupling two rotational elements. Couplings according to the invention, for example, may be used to couple angularly misaligned shafts, or as universal joints, constant velocity joints, couplings for coupling a drive shaft to a driven shaft, and as couplings for connecting steered hub to a fixed structural element such as a suspension arm in a suspension system.
  • Figure 1 illustrates a reference frame of operation of couplings according to embodiments of the invention
  • Figures 2A to 2C show an example of a coupling according to the invention, of which Figure 2A is an axial view with the elements of the coupling un-aligned, Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view of Figure 2A along axis A3 and Figure 2C is a cross-sectional view of Figure 2A along axis A2;
  • Figures 3A and 3B show a hub centre steering mechanism including an example of a coupling according to Figure 2, of which Figure 3A is an isometric view and Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view.;
  • Figures 4A to 4F show another example of a coupling according to the invention, of which Figure 4A is an axial view along axis A1 of Figure 1, Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view along plane A-A in Figure 4A, Figure 4C is a cross-sectional view along plane B-B in Figure 4A, Figure 4D is an axial view showing the elements of the coupling un-aligned, Figure 4E is an axial cross-sectional view of the coupling of in Figure 4A and Figure 4F is a cross sectional view along plane A-A of Figure 4D;
  • Figures 5A and 5B are cross-sectional views of a pair of the couplings of Figure 4 connected together;
  • Figures 6A to 6F show a further example of a coupling according to the invention, of which Figure 6A is an axial view along axis A1 of Figure 1, Figure 6B is a cross-sectional view along plane A-A in Figure 6A, and Figure 6C is a cross-sectional view on plane B-B of Figure 6A, Figure 6D is a side view; Figure 6E is a cross-sectional view along plane C-C of Figure 6D; and Figure 6F is a side cross-sectional view of the coupling along plane D-D of Figure 6D;
  • Figures 7A, 7B and 7C show bearings on one representative member of a coupling according to the invention, in which Figure 7A is an isometric view of the coupling, and Figure 7B is a cross sectional axial view, and Figure 7C is an exploded view;
  • Figure 8 shows means for limiting relative rotation of elements of a coupling according to the invention
  • Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a modification which may be applied to couplings in accordance with the invention.
  • Figure 10 is across-sectional view of a representative coupling in accordance with the invention within a bearing.
  • Figures 11A and 11B illustrate a way of assembling the coupling described in the previous examples.
  • the reference frame has a first axis A1 defining an axial direction.
  • a second axis A2 is perpendicular to the first axis A1.
  • At the intersection of the first and second axes is a central point C of concentric spherical surfaces of concentric members of the couplings.
  • the first and second axis and the central point lie in first plane P1 and the first axis and central point lie in a second plane P2 perpendicular to the first plane.
  • a third plane P3 through the centre point C is perpendicular to the other planes.
  • a third axis A3 defines is perpendicular to axes A1 and A2, lies in the third plane and passes through the central point C.
  • the first axis A1 is a torsional axis on which, for example, a drive shaft or driven shaft is connected to the coupling and the second A2 and third A3 axes are axes of relative rotation of members of the couplings.
  • couplings have some members centred on the central point C and other members centred on a further central point C2 offset from C along the first axis A1 when the members are aligned.
  • the offset of C2 from C may be slight, for example a fraction of a millimetre.
  • Further axes A21 and A31, parallel to axes A2 and A3 respectively pass through the central point C2.
  • a coupling comprises an inner annular member 201 around the first axis A1.
  • the inner member 201 comprises a spherical segment about central point C and has an outer peripheral surface S1 which is convexly spherical centred on the central point C on the first axis.
  • the inner member 201 has a central cylindrical bore 40 which in this example has splines 42 for engaging a correspondingly splined shaft.
  • An outer annular member 202 has an inner peripheral surface S21 which is convexly spherical complementary to the outer surface S1 of the inner member 201.
  • the concave spherical surface S21 is centred on the same central point C on the axis as the spherical surface of the inner ring.
  • the inner spherical surface S21 of the outer ring and the outer spherical surface S1 of the inner member 201 are contiguous plain bearing surfaces.
  • the inner and outer annular members 201, 202 are coupled by an axle arrangement comprising a diametrically opposed pair of axles X1 and X11 which are on a common axis through the central point C, in this case on axis A3.
  • the pair of axles constrains the inner and outer rings to be rotatable, one relative to the other, about axis A3.
  • Each of the axles X1 and X11 comprises an axle shaft XS fixed in a bore B2 in the outer annular member 202 and extending into a bore B1 in the inner member 201 in which it is free to rotate.
  • the shafts are arranged so that they do not transmit radial loads between the inner and outer rings. That is done by providing radial clearance between the ends of the axles and the radially adjacent spherical surfaces and by allowing some radial freedom of movement in the bore B1 between the shaft XS and the inner member 201: these arrangements isolate the axles from both radial and axial loads.
  • the shafts may be fixed in the outer annular member 202 by an interference fit or be otherwise fixed by for example a cold weld.
  • the axles may take other forms.
  • the shaft XS may have a head in a recess in the outer surface of the outer member 202 so as to not protrude above the outer surface and be fixed in the outer member 202 by a screw-threaded engagement in the bore B2 in the outer member.
  • the axles retain the inner member 201 axially within the outer member 202.
  • the spherical surfaces of the inner and outer members co-act to retain the inner member axially within the outer member.
  • the central point C of the adjacent convex and concave spherical surfaces lies between the axial facing faces F1 and F3 of the inner member 201 and between the faces F2 and F4 of the outer member 202.
  • the periphery of the inner convex spherical surface mid-way between the axially facing faces F1 and F3 is at a greater radius than the periphery of the concave surface of the outer member 202 at the axially facing faces thereof F2 and F4.
  • the inner member 201 is retained axially in the outer annular outer member 202 over an operational range of rotation of the inner annular member 201 about the second axis and/or about the first axis.
  • the inner member 201 has splines in its central cylindrical bore for engaging a shaft.
  • Splines may additionally or alternatively be provided on the outer periphery of the outermost member (in this case outer annular member 202) for engaging another shaft.
  • the coupling may be allowed to slide relative to the shaft(s) providing an axial degree of freedom.
  • the first and second annular members are each a section of a sphere centred on the central point C at the intersection of the first A1 and second A2 axes.
  • figure 2 has static applications such as Hub Centre Steering as shown in Figure 3.
  • a steered wheel hub 62 of a wheel is supported by a support member 64 which in this example is a suspension arm.
  • the coupling E1 as described with reference to figure 2 couples the suspension arm 64 to the steered wheel hub 62.
  • the arm 64 is engaged, for example by splines, in the central bore 40 of the inner ring 201 of the coupling E1.
  • the axles(s) X1, X11 (only X1 shown) allow the outer annular member 202 to rotate about one axis (the steering axis) relative to the inner annular member 201 and arm 64.
  • the outer annular member 202 supports the wheel 62 which is free to rotate on bearings 63.
  • a steering arm 60 is fixed to the outer annular member 202 to rotate it relative to the inner ring and arm 64.
  • axle(s) X1, X11 provide support to allow relative rotation but do not drive the wheel hub 62.
  • FIG. 4 A further example of a coupling is shown in figure 4 comprising an inner annular member 401 centred on a first axis, the inner annular member 401 having an outer peripheral surface S1 which is convexly spherical centred on the point C on the axis A1.
  • the inner annular member 401 has a central cylindrical bore 40 has splines for engaging a correspondingly splined shaft.
  • An intermediate annular member 402 has an inner peripheral surface S21 which is concavely spherical complementary to the outer surface S1 of the inner member 402.
  • the inner spherical surface S21 of the second member and the outer spherical surface S1 of the inner member 401 are contiguous plain bearing surfaces.
  • a first pair of diametrically opposed axles X1 and X11 extend radially of, the first axis A1 on the third axis A3 to couple the inner member 401to the intermediate member 402.
  • the first and second axles constrain the inner and intermediate members to rotate one relative to the other about the third axis A3.
  • the intermediate member 402 has an outer periphery S22 which is convexly spherical.
  • An outer annular member 403 has an inner peripheral surface S31 which is concavely spherical complementary to the outer surface S22 of the intermediate member 402.
  • the inner spherical surface S31 of the outer member 403 and the outer spherical surface S22 of the intermediate member 402 are contiguous plain bearing surfaces.
  • a second pair of diametrically opposed axles X2 and X21 extend radially of, the first axis A1 along the second axis A2 perpendicular to the third axis A3 to couple the intermediate member 402 to the outer member 403.
  • the axles X2 and X21 constrain the intermediate 402 and outer 403 members to be rotatable one relative to the other about the second axis A2 of rotation (see Figure 1) through the centre point C, and perpendicular to the first axis A1 and perpendicular to the third axis A3.
  • the second pair of axles allows relative rotation of the pair of members comprising intermediate and outer members 402 and 403 independently of the pair of members comprising inner and intermediate members 401 and 402.
  • the spherical surfaces S1, S21, S22 and S31 bear loads acting radially of the axis A1 and in the direction of the axis A1.
  • the axles transmit torque between the inner 401, intermediate 402, and outer 403 members.
  • the inner member 401 is retained in the intermediate member 402, and the intermediate member 402 is retained in the outer member 403 in the same way that the inner member 201 in figure 2 is retained in the outer member 202.
  • a first shaft or other structural element may be engaged in the central bore in the first annular member 401 and a second shaft or other structural element may be engaged with the outer member 403.
  • the outer member 403 may be fixed to or integral with a flange (not shown) or it may comprise other means, for example external splines, for coupling to a structural element.
  • One use of couplings of Figure 4 is as a universal joint.
  • the coupling allows angular misalignment of the shafts by virtue of the relative rotation of the intermediate member 402 and outer member 403 about the third axisA3 and second axis A3 respectively.
  • Both the inner member 401 and the intermediate member 402 comprise spherical segments about the central point C.
  • FIG 5A the comprising two couplings E2 of figure 4 connected together by a connecting structure 66.
  • the structure rigidly connects the two couplings.
  • the connecting structure 66 is a tube coupling the outer members 403.
  • the outer member 403 of one coupling is connected by a connecting structure 67 to the first member 401 of the other as shown for example in Figure 5B.
  • the coupling arrangement of Figure 5A is an approximation to a double Cardan joint, if the axle pairs of one of the individual couplings E2 are non-orthogonal to corresponding axle pairs of the other.
  • the coupling arrangement is a crank handle if the axles of the two couplings are in the same orientation.
  • the axle(s) of one coupling are orthogonal to the projection(s) of the other.
  • One of the couplings may be free to move axially in the tube 66.
  • the coupling of Figure 6 comprises an inner annular member 601, first, second third intermediate annular members 602, 603, 604 and outer annular member 605.
  • the third intermediate 604 and outer member 605 must be offset relative to the inner and first intermediate members 601 and 602 along the axis A1 when the members are aligned (see figure 6D).
  • the offset may be slight. This may be achieved by offsetting the outer spherical surface S32 of the second intermediate member 603 axially of the inner spherical surface S31 of the second intermediate member 603.
  • the inner and first intermediate members 601 and 602 are centred on central point C and the second and third intermediate members 603 and 604 are centred on point C2.
  • the first annular member 601 has an outer peripheral surface S1 which is convexly spherical centred on the central point C on the first axis A1.
  • the first annular member 601 has a central cylindrical bore 40 which in this example has splines 42 for engaging a correspondingly splined shaft.
  • a first intermediate annular member 602 has an inner peripheral surface S21 which is concavely spherical complementary to the outer surface S1 of the inner member 601.
  • Surfaces S1 and S21 are contiguous plain bearing surfaces.
  • a first pair of diametrically opposed axles X1, X11 extends along the third axis A3 radially of the first axis A1 to couple the inner member 601 and first intermediate member 602.
  • the first pair of axles constrains the pair of members comprising inner and first intermediate members 601 and 602 to be rotatable one relative to the other about the third axis A3 of rotation through and perpendicular to the first axis A1.
  • the first intermediate member 602 has an outer periphery S22 which is convexly spherical.
  • a second intermediate annular member 603 has an inner peripheral surface S31 which is concavely spherical complementary to the outer surface S22 of the first intermediate member 602.
  • the inner spherical surface S31 of the second intermediate member 603 and the outer spherical surface S22 of the first intermediate member 602 are contiguous, plain, bearing surfaces.
  • a second pair of diametrically opposed axles X2, X21 extend along the second axis A2 radially of the first axis A1 coupling the pair of members comprising the first and second intermediate members 602 and 603.
  • the second axle pair constrains the first intermediate member 602 and second intermediate member 603 to be rotatable one relative to the other about the second axis A2 of rotation through the central point C, and perpendicular to the first axis and perpendicular to the third axis A3.
  • the second pair of axles allows relative rotation of the pair of members 602 and 603 members independently of the pair of members 601 and 602.
  • the second intermediate member 603 has an outer periphery S32 which is convexly spherical.
  • a third intermediate annular member 604 has an inner peripheral surface S41 which is concavely spherical complementary to the outer surface S32 of the second intermediate member 603.
  • the inner spherical surface S41 of the third intermediate member 604 and the outer spherical surface S32 of the second intermediate member 603 are contiguous, plain, bearing surfaces.
  • a third pair of diametrically opposed axles X3, X31 extend along the second axis A2 radially of the first axis A1 coupling the pair of members comprising the second and third intermediate members 603 and 604.
  • the third axle pair constrains the members 603 and 604 to be rotatable one relative to the other about the axis A21 of rotation through the central point C2, parallel to axis A2. They thus constrain the pair of members 603 and 604 to be rotatable one relative to the other about axis A21.
  • the third pair of axles allows relative rotation of the second and third intermediate members independently of the first and second intermediate members.
  • the third intermediate member 604 has an outer periphery S42 which is convexly spherical.
  • An outer annular member 605 has an inner peripheral surface S51 which is concavely spherical complementary to the outer surface S42 of the third intermediate member 604.
  • the inner spherical surface S51 of the outer member 605 and the outer spherical surface S42 of the third intermediate member 604 are contiguous, plain, bearing surfaces.
  • a fourth pair of diametrically opposed axles X4, X41 extends along axis of rotation A31 parallel to axis A3 but though centre point C2.
  • the fourth axle pair constrains members 604 and 605 to be rotatable one relative to the other about A31 and perpendicular to axis A21. They thus constrain the members 604 and 605 to be rotatable one relative to the other about axis A31.
  • the fourth pair of axles allows relative rotation of the pair of members 604 and 605 independently of the pair of members 603 and 604.
  • axles X1 to X41 are identical to the axles X1 and X11 of Figure 2.
  • the inner and first intermediate members 601 and 602 comprises spherical segments about the central point C
  • the second and third intermediate members 603 and 604 also comprises spherical segments but about point C2.
  • the central aperture of second intermediate member 603 is a spherical segment about the central point C
  • the first intermediate member 602 is received into this aperture.
  • the spherical surfaces are all contiguous plain bearing surfaces. Rolling element bearings may be provided between the adjacent spherical surfaces.
  • ball bearings 100 held in one or more cages 101 may be provided at the surface of a member of a coupling.
  • the balls are held in two ball baskets, which are half spherical pieces, between the axles X, which may be axles X1 and X11 of the inner member 701 and outer member 702.
  • the spherical surfaces have rolling elements for carrying radial and axial loads.
  • the radial load path is independent of the torque load being applied. This approach is more efficient than using balls in grooves to carry both the torsion and the radial load.
  • figure 7 is a two member coupling, however, the principles of figure 7 can be extended to a bearing having one or more intermediate members as shown in figure 4 or 6.
  • rolling element bearing 102 may also be mounted on the axles to reduce friction.
  • the inner member 701 comprises a spherical segment about the central point C.
  • the axles X1 and X11 have heads H inset into outer member 702 and screw threads engaging threads in the bores of outer member 702.
  • spherical surfaces of adjacent members in the examples co-operate to bear radial and axial loads. To ensure that the coupling can bear a desired axial and radial load the spherical surfaces need to overlap sufficiently.
  • means may be provided to limit the relative rotation of adjacent members. Such limiting means also assists the retention of each inner ring in its associated outer ring. Examples of such limiting means include a stop within the coupling. As shown for example in Figure 8, in one example a fixed pin N projecting from an outer member 2 into a slot L in an inner member 1. It will be appreciated that any other suitable means of limiting relative may be used.
  • the coupling is supported by a support structure which limits relative rotation. In others the structural elements coupled by the coupling limit the relative rotation.
  • Figure 9 shows three annular members 1, 2 and 3 as in figure 4. The principle of this Figure 9 may be applied to any of the pairs of annular members of the examples of the invention.
  • any of the examples of figures 2, 4 and 6 may be fixed within a bearing 110 which may be fixed to a fixed structure 112 for example a bulkhead, floor or wall. That allows the coupling to couple to any two structural elements, one each side of the fixed structure 112, that must be coupled with at least two rotational degrees of freedom.
  • the fixed structure may be a bulkhead of a vehicle and the coupling couples section of a steering mechanism of the vehicle.
  • the bearing 110 allows the coupling E of Figure 10 to rotate within the fixed structure 112.
  • FIGs 11A and 11B illustrate the assembly of a coupling.
  • the coupling comprises a pair of annular members 1 and 2, an outer member 2 being outside an inner member 1.
  • Member 2 has two diametrically opposite loading slots L1 and L2.
  • the loading slots extend halfway across the width of the outer member 2 (the loading slots can also be seen in figure 7C).
  • the slots are dimensioned so that the diametrically opposite floors 6 of the slots are spaced by the diameter of the outer surface S1 (including if provided the cages101 as in figures 7) of inner member 1.
  • the width of each slot is equal to or slightly greater than the width of the inner member.
  • the inner member 1 is introduced sideways into the slots as shown in Figure 11A and then rotated into the same plane as the outer member 2.
  • the axle bore (s) of the pair of members 1 and 2 are brought into alignment at a suitable stage in the assembly process.
  • This option enables each member to be machined from a solid piece of material and minimises the risk of failure as a result of joining to halves together.
  • the method described enables all the bearing surfaces described in this specification to be continuous, ie avoiding any joins (and thus weak areas) at the join of a member assembled in two halves bolted or welded together.
  • the pair of members 1 and 2 are representative of each member respectively of the pairs of members 201 and 202 in figure 2, 401 and 402, 402 and 403 in figure 4, 601 and 602, 602 and 603, 603 and 604, 604 and 605 in figure 6, 701 and 702 in figure 7.
  • a lining material may be injected between the spherical bearing surfaces.
  • the convex spherical surfaces may be accurately machined.
  • the concave spherical surfaces may be roughly machined to form a rough surface which is also a piece-wise linear approximation to a curved surface also known as cathedraling, and lining material injected between an accurately machined convex surface and the rough concave surface to form an accurately matched concave spherical surface.
  • the convex spherical surface is coated with a release agent before the lining is injected into the coupling.
  • the lining material may be of plastic.
  • the compositions of some of the plastics are not publically known as the suppliers are often commercially sensitive about their compositions.
  • Delrin® is one known product that could be used or PTFE based materials could be used.
  • a structural element such as a shaft is fixed to or is integral with the inner member of a coupling.
  • a structural element such as a shaft is fixed to or is integral with the outer member of a coupling.
  • Structural elements may be fixed to or be integral with both the inner and outer members of a coupling.
  • the examples described above may have splines in the inner ring and or on the outer most peripheral surface of the coupling for connecting the coupling to structural elements to be coupled.
  • any other suitable means of connecting the coupling to structural elements may be used.
  • the outer periphery may have screw thread for connecting it to a correspondingly threaded structural element.
  • the inner member may have a central bore which is screw threaded or employ keys to engage a shaft.
  • the inner member may be integral with a shaft which is screw threaded for connection to another structural element.
  • the outer member of the coupling may be connected to a structural element by any suitable means.
  • Couplings as described above may be made of any suitable material.
  • the examples having plain bearing surfaces may be of metal, e.g. high performance steels, brass, bronze, aluminium, titanium etc. or of plastic, e.g. nylon, glass filled nylon, acetal, ABS, Delrin®.
  • inner and outer annular members 401 and 403 of the coupling of Figure 4 may be connected to respective shafts or other structural members so the intermediate member 402 is the only part which moves relative to the other two; this might lead a designer to select brass or bronze for the moving middle ring and steel for the inner and outer rings.
  • the same philosophy could be applied to the other examples of the couplings.
  • Metal annular members rings may be lubricated by conventional lubricants for example grease.
  • dry lubricant surfaces may be provided such as plastic liners as discussed above. The choice of materials and lubricants depends on the intended use of the coupling.
  • the inner member in all the examples comprises an annular spherical member with a central aperture for receiving a shaft. However, it may not have a central aperture but, for example, be bolted to a flange on a shaft.
  • each member of a pair of members comprising spherical segments has parallel sides in common planes when the segments are aligned.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Rolling Contact Bearings (AREA)
  • Pivots And Pivotal Connections (AREA)
  • Tires In General (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un raccord qui comprend une paire d'éléments : un premier élément qui comporte une périphérie sphérique convexe externe centrée autour d'un point central et un axe de torsion qui s'étend à travers le point central, et un second élément annulaire qui comporte une périphérie sphérique concave interne centrée sur le point central et complémentaire à la périphérie externe du premier élément interne. Les surfaces sphériques des éléments interne et externe coagissent pour transmettre des charges radiales entre ces dernières et pour transmettre des charges qui agissent le long de l'axe de torsion entre ces dernières. Un agencement d'axe s'étend radialement du point central et couple le premier et le second élément annulaire pour transmettre une charge de torsion de l'un à l'autre. Les deux éléments peuvent chacun tourner l'un par rapport à l'autre autour dudit point central dans une direction limitée par l'agencement d'axe.
PCT/GB2014/053680 2013-12-13 2014-12-12 Raccord WO2015087081A2 (fr)

Priority Applications (8)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
KR1020167017102A KR20160097237A (ko) 2013-12-13 2014-12-12 커플링
MX2016007458A MX2016007458A (es) 2013-12-13 2014-12-12 Acoplador.
JP2016539071A JP6618909B2 (ja) 2013-12-13 2014-12-12 継手
EP14812805.1A EP3080470A2 (fr) 2013-12-13 2014-12-12 Raccord
CN201480068382.XA CN105899830B (zh) 2013-12-13 2014-12-12 联轴器
CA2932041A CA2932041A1 (fr) 2013-12-13 2014-12-12 Raccord
US15/177,631 US20160305487A1 (en) 2013-12-13 2016-06-09 Coupling
US16/204,007 US20190093710A1 (en) 2013-12-13 2018-11-29 Coupling

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1322097.5 2013-12-13
GB1322097.5A GB2521209A (en) 2013-12-13 2013-12-13 Coupling

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US15/177,631 Continuation-In-Part US20160305487A1 (en) 2013-12-13 2016-06-09 Coupling

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2015087081A2 true WO2015087081A2 (fr) 2015-06-18
WO2015087081A3 WO2015087081A3 (fr) 2015-09-17

Family

ID=50030906

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2014/053680 WO2015087081A2 (fr) 2013-12-13 2014-12-12 Raccord

Country Status (8)

Country Link
EP (1) EP3080470A2 (fr)
JP (1) JP6618909B2 (fr)
KR (1) KR20160097237A (fr)
CN (1) CN105899830B (fr)
CA (1) CA2932041A1 (fr)
GB (2) GB2521209A (fr)
MX (1) MX2016007458A (fr)
WO (1) WO2015087081A2 (fr)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2016198867A1 (fr) 2015-06-11 2016-12-15 Punk Couplings Limited Ensemble d'accouplement et application à un organe d'accouplement entraîné, bras robotique et entraînement double
WO2016198824A1 (fr) 2015-06-11 2016-12-15 Punk Couplings Limited Joint pour accouplement
WO2017068333A1 (fr) 2015-10-22 2017-04-27 Punk Couplings Limited Raccord
WO2017216529A1 (fr) 2016-06-14 2017-12-21 Punk Couplings Limited Écrou pour vis-mère
GB2585613A (en) * 2019-10-09 2021-01-13 Punk Couplings Ltd Coupling
GB2594492A (en) * 2020-04-30 2021-11-03 Punk Couplings Ltd Damped coupling

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GB201510137D0 (en) * 2015-06-11 2015-07-22 Punk Couplings Ltd Spragg and ratchet couplings
DE102016201775A1 (de) 2016-02-05 2017-08-10 Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG Laufrolle für ein Podegelenk
CN107499834B (zh) * 2017-08-24 2019-06-25 武汉华星光电技术有限公司 复合传动轴及基板搬运装置
FI128065B (fi) 2018-01-23 2019-08-30 Konecranes Global Oy Akseliliitos
JP7090437B2 (ja) * 2018-03-16 2022-06-24 清水建設株式会社 球面継手及びこれを利用した減衰装置
KR102510713B1 (ko) * 2021-09-13 2023-03-16 (주)중앙카프링 테이퍼형 토크리미터를 포함하는 커플링

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Cited By (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2016198867A1 (fr) 2015-06-11 2016-12-15 Punk Couplings Limited Ensemble d'accouplement et application à un organe d'accouplement entraîné, bras robotique et entraînement double
WO2016198824A1 (fr) 2015-06-11 2016-12-15 Punk Couplings Limited Joint pour accouplement
WO2017068333A1 (fr) 2015-10-22 2017-04-27 Punk Couplings Limited Raccord
GB2557838A (en) * 2015-10-22 2018-06-27 Punk Couplings Ltd Coupling
GB2557838B (en) * 2015-10-22 2021-05-12 Punk Couplings Ltd Coupling
WO2017216529A1 (fr) 2016-06-14 2017-12-21 Punk Couplings Limited Écrou pour vis-mère
CN109312839A (zh) * 2016-06-14 2019-02-05 朋克联轴器有限公司 丝杠螺母
CN109312839B (zh) * 2016-06-14 2021-09-28 朋克联轴器有限公司 丝杠螺母
GB2585613A (en) * 2019-10-09 2021-01-13 Punk Couplings Ltd Coupling
WO2021069897A1 (fr) 2019-10-09 2021-04-15 Punk Couplings Limited Couplage
GB2585613B (en) * 2019-10-09 2021-08-11 Punk Couplings Ltd Coupling
GB2594492A (en) * 2020-04-30 2021-11-03 Punk Couplings Ltd Damped coupling

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN105899830B (zh) 2019-08-02
GB2521209A (en) 2015-06-17
KR20160097237A (ko) 2016-08-17
GB201322097D0 (en) 2014-01-29
GB2522768B (en) 2016-09-14
WO2015087081A3 (fr) 2015-09-17
CA2932041A1 (fr) 2015-06-18
GB2522768A (en) 2015-08-05
EP3080470A2 (fr) 2016-10-19
JP6618909B2 (ja) 2019-12-11
CN105899830A (zh) 2016-08-24
MX2016007458A (es) 2017-03-06
JP2016540175A (ja) 2016-12-22

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